Time has passed since the events in ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ and the Spengler family is back in Manhattan as their story continues as noble Ghostbusters. When discovering an ancient artifact casts a force upon the city, everything turns upside down, unleashing an army of frightening ghosts. The new and old generations of Ghostbusters must join forces together to protect their home and save the city from becoming a new ice age.

Now, the plot sounds promising, but Director Gil Kenan and Co-Writer Jason Reitman try to complete a puzzle that has too many pieces and yet do not match or fit together.

First, the nostalgic sense that was deeply felt in the first film is gone, but that’s due to the lack of story. Who do you call? It’s hard to know and make a decision. Also, the story attempts to develop a deeper story for one of the main characters but ends up feeling short as the second and third acts focus on the conflict rather than the uplifting messages the film wants to convey. What is a winner for the film is the continuous humor that moves the story along, especially in scenes with Paul Rudd and Kumail Ali Nanjiani which helps the film stand out for comedic relief when scenes are not in tune or create confusion with the story overall.

The film includes a star-studded cast that feeds off each other chemistry, but standouts include Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray from the original Ghostbusters. Although their scenes are short, their humor adds to what we loved about the original films, although, it feels short nostalgia. Other stand-outs include Mckenna Grace who offers a captivating performance with a lousy story that feels forced and out of place for the film and frankly quite random. It would have been more impactful if her story focused more on searching for herself as a ghostbuster than perhaps a dull romance.

What dominates in ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ is the powerful message of family, acceptance, and teamwork that is showcased throughout the film. Audiences will relate to the troubles the Spengler’s encounter in themes of parenting and trust.

‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ feels like a movie that does not move the franchise in any direction perhaps it is time to find a new set of ghost hunters.

‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ hits theaters Friday, March 21.